A drone-based intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations

Abstract

This invention relates to an intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system consists of a UAV-borne data acquisition transmitter and a handheld receiver. The UAV-borne data acquisition transmitter can autonomously fly along a preset route and collect hydrogen concentration and high-precision spatial coordinate data in real time. Data is transmitted with anti-interference capabilities via LoRa long-range low-power communication technology. The handheld receiver can receive data, dynamically update inspection results, and generate a real-time 3D hydrogen concentration distribution map. When the detected hydrogen concentration exceeds a preset safety threshold, the system immediately issues an audible and visual alarm and marks the leak point. Furthermore, all collected data can be transmitted to an IoT monitoring platform via the MQTT protocol for storage and further analysis and display, thereby achieving safe monitoring and intelligent management of the hydrogen storage station. This system improves the efficiency and safety of inspections and is suitable for the daily monitoring and maintenance of various hydrogen storage facilities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen storage station safety monitoring technology, specifically to an intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), used to achieve real-time monitoring of hydrogen concentration, leak warning, and data analysis within the hydrogen storage station. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial infrastructure in the hydrogen energy industry chain, the safe operation of hydrogen storage stations is of paramount importance. Hydrogen is flammable, explosive, and prone to leakage; once a leak occurs and accumulates, it can easily lead to serious safety accidents. Traditional manual inspection methods suffer from low efficiency, limited coverage, discontinuous data collection, and high missed detection rates, making it difficult to meet the real-time monitoring needs of large-scale hydrogen storage stations.

[0003] While existing fixed monitoring equipment can achieve continuous monitoring at fixed points, it suffers from drawbacks such as high installation costs, large blind spots (e.g., high-altitude pipelines, tank tops), and poor flexibility. In recent years, drone technology has been increasingly applied to industrial inspection, but in the specific scenario of hydrogen storage stations, it still faces the following technical challenges:

[0004] 1. Insufficient monitoring accuracy: Hydrogen is colorless and odorless, and minute leaks are difficult to detect by conventional sensors, making early warning impossible.

[0005] 2. Poor communication stability: The complex metal structure inside the hydrogen storage station is highly susceptible to interference with wireless signals, and traditional communication methods are prone to disconnection.

[0006] 3. Weak data analysis capabilities: Lack of the ability to integrate spatial coordinates with concentration data and visualize them, which cannot effectively support rapid decision-making.

[0007] Invention Patent Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which aims to solve the problems of low monitoring efficiency, unstable communication, and insufficient data analysis capabilities in existing technologies.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0010] A drone-based intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations includes: a drone-borne data acquisition transmitter and a handheld receiver.

[0011] The UAV-borne data acquisition and transmission terminal includes:

[0012] 1. Core control module;

[0013] 2. Acquisition module, including a hydrogen concentration sensor and a positioning module;

[0014] 3. Flight control module, used to plan inspection routes and control the UAV to fly along the set trajectory;

[0015] 4. The first communication module uses LoRa modulation technology to achieve long-distance wireless transmission.

[0016] The handheld receiving terminal includes:

[0017] 1. A second communication module, which establishes a LoRa communication link with the first communication module;

[0018] 2. Data processing unit, used to parse and store inspection data containing three-dimensional spatial coordinates and hydrogen concentration in real time;

[0019] 3. Visualization module: dynamically generates a 3D hydrogen concentration distribution map and implements threshold alarms;

[0020] 4. Data forwarding module, which connects to the IoT monitoring platform via the MQTT protocol.

[0021] Preferably, the positioning module of the acquisition module integrates GPS, Beidou dual-mode positioning unit and barometric altimeter, with a positioning accuracy better than 0.5 meters; the flight control module includes: a path planning submodule, which generates a gridded inspection path based on the three-dimensional model of the hydrogen storage station; an adaptive adjustment submodule, which automatically adjusts the flight attitude based on real-time wind speed; and an emergency return-to-home submodule, which executes a preset return-to-home strategy when communication is interrupted or the battery is low.

[0022] Preferably, the visualization display module includes: a 3D modeling unit that maps received data to a digital twin model of the hydrogen storage station; a dynamic rendering unit that displays changes in hydrogen concentration in real time using color gradients; and an alarm triggering unit that activates an audible and visual alarm and marks the leak coordinates when the concentration value exceeds a set threshold.

[0023] Preferably, the LoRa communication module operates in the 470-510MHz frequency band and has an adjustable transmit power range of 20-30dBm; the data forwarding module supports: a data format conversion unit to convert raw data into JSON format messages; a quality verification unit to ensure data integrity through CRC verification; and a breakpoint resume unit to automatically cache and resume transmission when the network is abnormal.

[0024] Preferably, the handheld receiving terminal also integrates: a local storage unit that uses an encrypted SD card to store no less than 30 days of historical data; a data comparison unit that performs trend analysis on real-time data and historical benchmark values; and a report generation unit that automatically generates an inspection report containing the concentration peak location and timestamp.

[0025] Preferably, the IoT monitoring platform includes: a cloud database that uses a time-series database to store multi-dimensional monitoring data; a visual dashboard that supports access from multiple platforms, including web and mobile devices; and a permission management module that sets hierarchical access permissions and data operation logs.

[0026] Preferably, the UAV-borne data acquisition and transmission terminal is also equipped with: a redundant safety module, including an explosion-proof shell and intrinsically safe circuit design; a multi-sensor fusion module, integrating temperature, humidity, and air pressure environmental monitoring units; and an autonomous obstacle avoidance module, which uses millimeter-wave radar to achieve three-dimensional obstacle detection.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0028] 1. High efficiency and comprehensiveness: Drones can autonomously inspect along planned routes, overcoming blind spots for human intervention and achieving full coverage of the area.

[0029] 2. Accurate and reliable: High-precision positioning and anti-interference communication are adopted to ensure accurate data and stable transmission.

[0030] 3. Intelligent early warning: Real-time generation of three-dimensional concentration distribution map, making the leak point visible, and threshold triggering multi-level alarms.

[0031] 4. Deep integration: Local terminals and IoT platforms work together to support data storage, trend analysis and remote management. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system architecture of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the UAV-borne data acquisition and transmitting terminal of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the handheld receiving terminal of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of the IoT monitoring platform of the present invention; Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1: As Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides an intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations based on drones, including a drone-borne data acquisition and transmission terminal (100), a handheld receiving terminal (200), and an Internet of Things monitoring platform (300).

[0035] After the system is started, the drone flies along the preset route:

[0036] 1. The flight control module (130) generates a gridded inspection path based on the pre-stored three-dimensional model of the hydrogen storage station and controls the UAV to fly along the trajectory.

[0037] 2. The hydrogen concentration sensor (121) and the positioning module (122) in the acquisition module (120) synchronously acquire spatial coordinates (longitude, latitude, altitude) and hydrogen concentration data at that point.

[0038] 3. The first communication module (140) sends the encrypted data packets to the ground in real time.

[0039] The handheld receiving terminal (200) processes data:

[0040] 1. The second communication module (210) receives data and the data processing unit (220) parses out the three-dimensional coordinates and concentration values.

[0041] 2. The visualization module (230) maps these data onto the three-dimensional model of the hydrogen storage station and dynamically displays the hydrogen concentration distribution through color gradient (e.g., green for safety, yellow for warning, and red for alarm).

[0042] 3. When the hydrogen concentration at a certain point exceeds the preset safety threshold, the alarm triggering unit (234) immediately activates the audible and visual alarm and highlights the leakage coordinates on the three-dimensional model.

[0043] Data reporting and storage:

[0044] 1. Data forwarding module (240) uploads alarm information and all inspection data to the IoT monitoring platform (300).

[0045] 2. The cloud database (310) of the IoT platform (300) stores all historical data, and the visual dashboard (320) allows managers to remotely view the real-time status and historical trends via the web or mobile APP.

[0046] Example 2: Based on Example 1, this system is also equipped with multiple security and autonomy capabilities.

[0047] The UAV-borne data acquisition transmitter (100) is equipped with a redundant safety module (150), whose explosion-proof housing and intrinsically safe circuit design ensure operational safety in a potential hydrogen environment. The autonomous obstacle avoidance module (170) uses millimeter-wave radar to detect obstacles ahead in real time and automatically avoid collisions.

[0048] If communication between the UAV and the handheld receiver terminal (200) is interrupted during flight, the emergency return-to-home submodule (133) will be triggered, and the UAV will automatically hover for a moment. If communication cannot be restored, it will automatically return to the takeoff point according to the preset route to ensure equipment safety.

[0049] The data comparison unit (260) built into the handheld terminal will compare and analyze real-time data with historical benchmark values ​​to identify early signs of leakage with slow concentration increases and realize the early warning function.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drone-based intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations, characterized by: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data acquisition and transmission terminal (100), mobile data analysis terminal (200), and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring platform (300). The UAV-borne data acquisition and transmission terminal (100) includes: a core control module (110), an acquisition module (120), a multi-gas concentration sensing module (121), a positioning module (122), a temperature and humidity module (123), a flight control module (130) for controlling the flight attitude of the UAV and planning inspection routes and controlling the UAV to fly along a set trajectory; and a communication-transmitter module (140) that uses LoRa modulation technology to achieve long-distance, highly stable wireless transmission. The handheld receiver terminal (200) includes: a communication-receiving module (210) that establishes a LoRa communication link with the communication-transmitting module (140); a data processing unit (220) that is used to analyze and store the inspection data of GPS positioning information, air pressure value and gas (hydrogen) concentration received by the communication-receiving module (210) in real time; a visualization display module (230) that dynamically generates a three-dimensional hydrogen concentration distribution map and implements threshold alarm through the image algorithm built into the software; and a data forwarding module (240) that connects to the Internet of Things monitoring platform (300) through the MQTT protocol.

2. The intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning module (122) of the data acquisition module (120) integrates multiple positioning units, including but not limited to GPS, Beidou dual-mode positioning unit and barometric altimeter, inertial navigation unit, with a positioning accuracy better than 0.5 meters; the flight control module (130) includes: a path planning submodule (121), which includes multiple path planning modes. One mode is to generate a gridded inspection path based on the three-dimensional model of the hydrogen storage station. In the absence of a site model, the inspection route can also be manually planned. By comparing the real-time positioning of the UAV provided by the positioning module (122), the accuracy of the UAV's cruise route can be ensured. The adaptive adjustment submodule (132) automatically adjusts the flight attitude according to the real-time wind speed and the real-time attitude of the UAV; the emergency return-to-home submodule (133) executes the preset return-to-home strategy when communication is interrupted, the battery is low, or the mission ends.

3. The intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to claims 1-2, characterized in that, The visualization display module (230) includes: a three-dimensional modeling unit (231) that maps the received data to a three-dimensional model of the hydrogen storage station; a dynamic rendering unit (232) that displays the hydrogen concentration change in real time using color gradients; a data visualization unit (233) that generates real-time gas concentration change curves at various locations; and an alarm triggering unit (234) that activates an audible and visual alarm and marks the leak coordinates when the concentration value exceeds a set threshold.

4. The intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to claims 1-3, characterized in that, The LoRa communication module operates in the 470-510MHz frequency band and has an adjustable transmit power range of 20-30dBm. The data forwarding module (240) supports: a data format conversion unit (241) that converts the original data into JSON format messages; a quality verification unit (242) that ensures data integrity through CRC verification; and a breakpoint resume unit (243) that automatically caches and resumes transmission when the network is abnormal.

5. A drone-based intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations according to claims 1-4, characterized in that, The mobile data analysis terminal (200) integrates: a local storage unit (250) that uses an encrypted SD card to store no less than 30 days of historical data; a data comparison unit (260) that performs trend analysis on real-time data and historical benchmark values; and a report generation unit (270) that automatically generates inspection reports containing concentration peak locations and timestamps. It can also export files in various formats.

6. A drone-based intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations according to claims 1-5, characterized in that, The IoT monitoring platform (300) includes: a cloud database (310) that uses a time-series database to store multi-dimensional monitoring data; a visualization dashboard (320) that supports access from multiple platforms, including web and mobile terminals; and a permission management module (330) that sets hierarchical access permissions and data operation logs.

7. A drone-based intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations according to claims 1-6, characterized in that, The UAV-borne data acquisition transmitter (100) is equipped with: a redundant safety module (150), including an explosion-proof shell and intrinsically safe circuit design; a power management module (160), including but not limited to real-time detection of battery capacity, real-time monitoring of battery temperature, and overheat power-off function; and an autonomous obstacle avoidance module (135), which uses millimeter-wave radar to realize three-dimensional spatial obstacle detection.

8. A drone-based intelligent inspection system for hydrogen storage stations according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The system's operating method includes: S1. The UAV flies along a preset route and simultaneously collects spatial coordinates and hydrogen concentration; S2. Transmit encrypted data packets to the mobile data analysis terminal in real time via the LoRa link; S3. The mobile data analysis terminal parses the data and generates a dynamic three-dimensional concentration distribution map; S4. Abnormal concentration data triggers a local alarm and is forwarded to the IoT platform; S5. The platform performs big data analysis and generates equipment health status assessment reports.

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